Published by Campus Communications, Inc. of Gainesville, Florida
We Inform. You Decide.

TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2008

Court: No off-campus traffic stops for UPD

UPD plans to continue stops, appeal ruling

By MAGGIE LAWRENCE
Alligator Contributing Writer

University Police Department
officers are no longer allowed to
make stops for traffic violations on
roads bordering campus, such as
University Avenue and 13th Street,
according to a local court's recent

ruling.'
But UPD will continue to make
traffic stops on these roads unless
challenged in future court cases,
citing mutual-aid agreements be-
tween the department and local law
enforcement agencies.
In response to the June 20 ruling
by the Eighth Judicial Circuit, UPD

officials plan to make an appeal of
their own regarding the decision.
The court found that a clause in
Florida Statutes allowing univer-
sity police to enforce traffic laws
"on or about" campus should be
reinterpreted to mean roads run-
ning through or within the confines
of campus, according to court docu-

ments.
UPD had understood the statute
to refer to roads "dose to, adjacent
to or a couple blocks within" UF
property, said UPD spokesman Lt.
Robert Wagner.
Local State Attorney Bill
News Cervone said an ap-
peal to the Florida's
First District Court of Appeal will
ask to overturn the circuit court's

ruling as an incorrect interpretation
of the "on or about" clause, but a
final ruling will not be made for
many months.
In the meantime, motorists con-
victed of traffic violations on roads
adjacent to campus may attempt
to get their cases dismissed based
on the recent ruling, but the State
Attorney's Office will argue these
SEE UPD, PAGE 9

GREEK LIFE

UF hands fraternity four-year suspension for hazing

By KRISTEN HUFF
Alligator Writer

UF's chapter of the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity
was suspended for four years Friday as a
result of allegations that members of the fall
2007 pledge class were forced to do hours of
physical activity and consume large amounts
of alcohol as part of hazing rituals.

In a recommendation sent to Mary Kay
Carodine, senior associate dean of students,
earlier this month, the UF Greek Judicial
Board suggested the fraternity be suspended
for two years.
Carodine said after reviewing the amount
of information in the board's report, it was
evident that the fraternity's culture of hazing
would need more than two years to fix.

The fraternity will not be able to have an
on-campus house, recruit new members or
participate in philanthropies as part of their
punishment.
The report said the fraternity violated the
Student Code of Conduct with hazing, result-
ing in physical or other harm and distribution
of alcohol. The fraternity accepted responsibil-
ity for all three charges and did not dispute

any of the allegations in the report, which
listed more than a page of violations.
"I would say this is one of the most seri-
ous hazing cases that the board has handled
at least in the last several years," said Chris
Loschiavo, director of Student Judicial Affairs.
In one ritual called "Defend your Pledge

SEE FRAT, PAGE 9

Library West unveils new floors, self-checkout machine

* FLOOR REPLACEMENT
TOTALS $43,000.

By SARAH JONES
Alligator Contributing Writer

Putting a cork in its past,
Library West reopened Monday
after being closed during the
summer intersession for a mini-
makeover.
Due to damages around the
escalators and elevators on its
first, second and third floors,
Library West's cork flooring was
replaced last week with a new
material consisting of recycled
marble and granite chips.
Despite being installed as
part of the library's massive 2006
renovation, the floor tiles started
peeling along the seams as early
as 2007.
"The further we went, the less
it looked like it was going to hold
up in the long haul," said Bill
Covey, interim director for UF
library support services.

The new floor was chosen to
match the library's organic ap-
pearance while being reasonably
quiet to walk on, Covey said.
The new look closely re-
sembles the mustard tone of the
original.
The specific reason for the
flooring's failure remains a mys-
tery.
Lab tests determined that
there was no chemical culprit, he
said.
The unex-
pectedly high
amount of foot
traffic in Library
West is thought
to be the major
Fouke cause of the
floor's abrupt
decline, said Bahar Armaghani,
the project manager for the
Library West renovation.
The maintenance and clean-
ing of the floors contributed to
the peeling problem as well,

SEE LIBRARY, PAGE 9

Marianne Lijewskl /
A UF student, right, checks out a book at the new self-checkout computer at Library West.

* Former UF men's
basketball players
gathered in Boca
Raton Saturday for
the first ever Alumni
Charity Game. NBA
players such as Chris
Richard (right) look
forward to playing
in it next year. See
story, Page 17.

Police search for man who tortured woman
MIAMI (AP) Police say a Miami man who suspected his
girlfriend of being unfaithful tortured the woman for more than
three hours.
According to police, Roman Rengifo had been drinking when
he began heating his girlfriend Saturday evening. Police say he
accused her of cheating and started kicking and punching her.
Then he threatened her with a knife and dunked her head in a
bathtub filled with water several times. Eventually, police say
Rengifo tied the woman up with cords and threw her in a closet.
After Rengifo left the apartment, the woman was able to free
herself. Authorities were still looking for Rengifo on Sunday.

U A PBS
documentary
will focus on
a Shands pro-
gram that pro-
motes therapy
through art.
See story,
Page Four.

STATE
Fla. consumer confidence
reaches all-time low
As the prices at gas stations
grow higher, Florida's consumer
confidence has plummeted to an
all-time low.
The UF Survey Research Center
in the Bureau of Economic and
Business Research announced June
24 that the consumer confidence
index dropped six points from its
May value to 57 points, the lowest
it has been in its 25-year existence.
The index is benchmarked to 1966
with a value of 100 points. The val-
ue of the index is to compare it by
month to month and year to year.
Chris McCarty, director of the
UF research center, said the scale
is already at levels typically associ-
ated with a recession.
McCarty said even when the
United States was in a recession
in 2001 and in the early 1990s, the
index did not go this low. He said
'that a six-point drop reflects con-
sumers pulling back on spending.
McCarty believes Florida's
consumer confidence index will
improve by the end of the year.
"It could go up a little bit in
July, but if it goes much lower,
then that's a really bad situation,"
he said.
The factors affecting the drop in
consumer confidence are high gas
prices and the uncertain housing
market, McCarty said.
-AMANDA MCKENZIE

Massive study focuses on
genetic evolution of birds
A recent UF research project
focusing on the evolution of birds
may ruffle some feathers in the sci-
ence community.
One example of controversial
findings is the discovery that com-
mon North American birds such
as mockingbirds and blue jays are
closely related to parrots.
David Steadman, curator of or-
nithology at the Florida Museum
of Natural History and a lead
investigator of the study, said the
links suggested by studying the
molecular genetics of the birds
surprised him.
Steadman said the study, con-
ducted by UF and four additional
universities, is the most massive
data set ever gathered for bird
evolution.
The study was featured in
a Thursday article in Science, a

NATIONAL

FORECAST
TODAY

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STORMS
87/69

WEDNESDAY

THUNDER
STORMS
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weekly science journal, accord-
ing to a UF news release.
UF's participation in the
research was funded by a
$455,000 grant from the National
Science Foundation through its
Assembling the Tree of Life re-
search program.
To conduct the research, the
team targeted and sequenced
particular genes of 169 species
of birds and compared them to
examine their relationships and
determine when they appeared
in evolutionary history, Kimball
said.
If the results are verified by
other studies, it will require
changing current classifications
and revising textbooks and field
guides, said Rebecca Kimball, an
associate professor of zoology at
UF and a lead investigator of the
research. She does not expect the
changes to come immediately.
VICTORIA WINKLER

UF receives $15 million for
renewable energy research
In the face of a global energy
crisis, Florida has turned to its
universities for help.

THURSDAY

THUNDER
STORMS
87/71

FRIDAY

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SATURDAY

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STORMS
91/72

Gov. Charlie Crist dedicated
$50 million Wednesday to five
state universities for researching
renewable energy.
UF will receive $15 million
and will lead the effort. The other
four universities that make up the
initial group will receive $8.75 mil-
lion each.
UF, Florida State University, the
University of South Florida, the
University of Central Florida and
Florida Atlantic University are the
five universities involved.
Eric Wachsman, UF engineer-
ing professor and director of UF's
Florida Institute for Sustainable
Energy, said this collaboration
would give the universities ac-
cess to experts from all different
areas and allow them to bring the
renewable energy technologies to
market faster.
UF President Bernie Machen is
expected to choose a director for
the program later this summer.
VICTORIA WINKLER

The Alligator serves iO be accurate and
clear in its news reports and ecaItcnais
ai %ou fnd an error, please call our
neasirronr at (3521 376-4458 c.r sena an
e-mail to edlorailihgator org

Social Time
A new study shows spending time with friends and family is
crucial to the daily well-being of the American public.

EPercent with a lot of happiness, not a lot of stress
Percent without a lot of happiness, with a lot of stress

50%-
40%,
30%
20%
10% ----4---

0 1 to 2 3 to 4 5 to 6 7 to 8 9 or
more
Hours of social time each day
Source: Gallup, Inc.
Mikala Kuchera / Alligator Staff

The Independent Florida Alligator is a student newspaper serving the University of Florida, pub-
lished by a nonprofit 501.(c)(3) educational organization, Campus Communications Inc., P.O. Box
14257, Gainesville, Florida, 32604-2257. The Alligator is published Monday through Friday morn-
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without the written consent of an officer of Campus Communications Inc.

To say Kyle Edward Hughes was devoted
to his 2005 Gator-blue Mustang would be an
understatement.
Hughes' roommate said he washed it
almost every other day. He unwrapped pack-
ages that contained new parts for his car like a
child on Christmas morning. His friends said
his dedication to his car was outweighed only
by his loyalty to his friends, family and faith.
On June 23, the 21-year-old UF business
administration senior died in Tampa General
Hospital, nine days after an accident that in-
volved the vehicle he strived to perfect. The
accident also claimed the life of his best friend

and passenger, Jeremy Smith.
Smith, a 20-year-old UF landscape architec-
ture junior, died at the scene.
Smith and Hughes were riding westbound
on Durant Road near Plant City, Fla., on June
14 in Hughes' Mustang when he lost control
and swerved into the opposite lane. The car
collided with a 2000 Dodge Dakota driven by
Plant City native Harrell Buckner Jr., 50, said
J.D. Callaway, Hillsborough County Sheriff's
' Office spokesman. Hughes and Buckner were
airlifted to the hospital. Buckner has since
been released.
Callaway said the cause of the accident is
still unknown, but speed could have been a
factor. Because the investigation is ongoing,.
police have not disclosed all details, including
whether the students were wearing seat belts.

Hughes' funeral was held Friday, and
friends and family wore orange-and-blue
clothes per the request of Hughes' parents,
Lisa and Gary Hughes.
"He lived his life the way you're
supposed to."
Sam DeCubellis
UF political science senior

Lisa Hughes said her son lived for Gator
sports, adding that she is glad he got to enjoy
all three of UF's recent national champion-
ships.
She said she couldn't imagine anything
that he would have wanted more than for
people to attend his service decked out in hues

of orange and blue.
"He was probably laughing at us and en-
joying every second of that," she said.
She estimated that at least 300 people
packed the church.
Sam DeCubellis, UF political science senior,
spoke at the funeral.
"It's so sad to go through senior year with-
out him," DeCubellis said. "He lived his life
the way you're supposed to."
During his speech, DeCubellis said he
didn't want to just share funny memories
about his friend, though he has many. He said
he encouraged the attendees to live their lives
according to Hughes' example.
"If you want to honor Kyle, that's the way
to go about it," he said. "I don't want him to
ever be forgotten."

GPD investigation finds former officer leaked info

* OFFICER ALSO FACES
CLAIMS OF SEXUAL BATTERY.

By APRIL DUDASH
Alligator Staff Writer
A Gainesville Police
Department internal investigation
found that a former officer vio-
lated GPD policies by sharing con-
fidential police information with a
woman he was having sex with.

In addition, the State Attorney's
Office is looking into the woman's
accusation that the officer commit-
ted sexual battery on her.
John Robert Bostick voluntarily
resigned May 9 from GPD while
the investigation was ongoing.
On May 8, GPD received a com-
plaint alleging that Bostick com-
mitted sexual battery on a woman
with an extensive criminal history,
according to a GPD Internal Affairs
report dated June 18.

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The woman recorded the sexual
battery on her video recorder and
had numerous voicemail messages
from Bostick on her cell phone, the
report stated.
The only audible
Local phone message that
News was recovered by
GPD's Computer
Forensics Unit was of Bostick say-
ing, "All right, girl. That's the last
straw there. I am declaring war,
and that will be it. It's JB. Later."

The complaint also alleged that
Bostick provided confidential in-
formation to the woman regarding
ongoing criminal investigations,
the report stated.
The woman refused to have
sex with Bostick until, he agreed
to "look the other way" if he
observed any illegal activity in-
volving the woman and another
person, according to the report.
Because the alleged sexual
battery occurred outside of

GPD's jurisdiction, the Criminal
Investigations Division of the
Alachua County Sheriff's Office
was notified, according to the
report.
Spencer Mann, spokesman for
the State Attorney's Office, said it
will take about a week to decide
whether Bostick will be prosecut-
ed for the alleged sexual battery
charge.
Alligator writer Zahara Zahav
contributed to this report.

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4, ALLIGATOR E TrESDAY, JULY 1, 2008,

PBS documentary to feature Shands art program

By MARGARET FRANCOIS
Alligator Contributing Writer

While poetry, dance and
performance serve as recreation
for some, the activities can also
serve as creative steps toward
recovery for patients involved
in the Shands Arts in Medicine
program.
Centered around the phi-
losophy that participation in
the arts can help patients heal,
the 18-year-old program will be
featured on a PBS documentary
airing tonight.
Safty The hour-long
documentary, enti-
tled "Healing Words:
Poetry & Medicine," will air at
1:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. on WUFT-
TV/DT.
The program was established
in 1990 by three UF doctors who
are also poets, and it is one of
the largest programs of its kind,
said Tina Mullen, the program's
director.
The documentary focuses on
the role poetry can play in the
healing process. Viewers will
get a look at the interaction of
young children, adolescents,
medical professionals and medi-

cal students in the hospital and
how they are involved with the
program.

The program's writer-in-
residence, Gail Ellison, said she
hopes the film will motivate

viewers to get involved.
"I'm curious and excited
about what this will mean about

Jeremy Horton, a pediatric patient at Shands at UF, draws on a sketchbook in his hospital room Friday
afternoon as part of the Shands Arts in Medicine program.

the dialogue that will go on
nationally and internationally,"
Ellison said.
She met the documentary's
director, James Cavenaugh, pro-
ducers, Dr. David Watts and Joan
Baranow, and prominent U.S.
poet John Fox after she gave a
presentation about the program
at Duke University.
Ellison said she invited the
crew to see the' program's suc-
cess in Gainesville. Their visit to
Shands in 2004 left them wanting
more.
One day of filming developed
into four days of recording pa-
tients as they worked on their art
projects.
Jeremy Horton, a 20-year-old
pediatric patient and program
participant, said drawing enables
him to escape from his illness.
Horton said he was initially
hesitant to draw for the first time
since elementary school. Since
he became part of the program,
however, he has created images
related to his love for the out-
doors.
"I just go with it," he said.
"It's nice because you get to look
at something pleasant other than
these white walls."

Board discusses new model for enrollment funding

* BOG'S PROPOSED MODEL COULD
GIVE UF INCREASED FUNDING.

By KRISTEN HUFF
Alligator Writer

The Florida Board of Governors discussed
a new model for enrollment funding at its June
19 meeting, and the model could benefit UF if
implemented in the coming years.
The current model determines funding
for universities based on the budget from the
previous year plus the number of additional
students admitted, said Nate Johnson, the
board's executive director of planning and

analysis.
That may not be the best way to deter-
mine how much funding a university needs,
Johnson said. Large public schools, such as UF,
are scaling back admissions to cope with state
revenue shortfalls.
The new model, which Johnson hopes to
develop by 2010, would be based on the needs
of each student, not just the number of new
admissions, and it would give attention to
faculty wages and utility increases.
The proposed weighting system would
also account for different majors, as the ex-
pense to educate students can vary based on
their fields of study, Johnson said.
The new plan is not infallible, however,

and still depends on available state funds.
In other business, the board decided to re-
vise a controversial proposal that would have
given it a role in presiden-
tial affairs.
The board decided to
strike "presidential selec-
tion" from its proposed
regulation after many gov-
ernors spoke against it.
The board still plans to
Roberts propose having a role in
annual presidential evalua-
tions, which has traditionally been the respon-
sibility of boards of trustees.
Diana Morgan, chairwoman of the UF

Board of Trustees, said UF already goes to the
Board of Governors for verbal feedback on
evaluations.
"I think there is some question as to wheth-
er it is needed to be part of a regulation when
in fact it has been a practice," Morgan said.
The trustees are not worried yet, she said.
"At this point, I don't think we're going to
express concern because we really don't know
what the proposal will include," she said.
At the end of the meeting, the board also
voted to make Sheila McDevitt the new chair-
woman.
The former vice chairwoman will replace
Carolyn Roberts, who will still serve on the
board.

A local group of policymakers is
fired up over the money it feels it is
owed for providing fire services to
the county.
The Municipality Fire Authority,
which is made up of officials from
different cities, met with Alachua
County commissioners Monday
night to negotiate a new payment
plan.

Alachua County has relied on
smaller cities, including Newberry,
High Springs, La Crosse,
Hawthorne, Waldo and Micanopy,
to answer phone calls for fire ser-
vices from unincorporated areas of
the county.
The city fire departments are
closer than county fire stations
to the citizens who reside in the
unincorporated areas, which are
areas in the county outside of any
city limits.
However, officials from those
smaller cities are threatening to
stop answering phone calls outside
of their district if the county will

not reimburse them for expenses
including diesel fuel, equipment
and manpower.
High Springs Mayor Larry
Travis, who is a fire authority
member, said the
smaller cities
are unfairly
burdened with
handling fires.
in their own
districts as well
as' other areas. It
Byerly is expensive and
puts citizens in danger, Travis said.
County Commissioner Mike
Byerly said he thinks similar bud-

getary issues are happening all
over Florida and will only increase
within the next year.
Members of the Municipality
Fire Authority had originally pro-
posed that the county double their
compensation to $1.4 million.
Byerly said the cities are current-
ly compensated about $716,000.
At the meeting, which was
held at the County Commissioners
Office and lasted more than four
hours, officials argued over wheth-
er $1.4 million is a legitimate pay-
ment, and if not, how they should
calculate an amount that would be
fair to both the fire authority and

the county.
County commissioners and fire
authority officials agreed to exam-
ine three different ways to calcu-
late reimbursements paid to a fire
station that handles a call outside
of its designated area in Alachua
County.
One of the formulas already
exists and is used by FEMA, or the
Federal Emergency Management
Agency.
The second is a formula created
by the fire authority that includes
charges for equipment and person-
nel. The third formula is used by
Gainesville.

SFCC cuts $3 million from budget, hikes tuition

College avoids layoffs but scraps salary increases

By KRISTEN HUFF
Alligator Writer

SFCC's Board of Trustees approved a
budget plan last week that will raise tuition 6
percent and cut $3 million in spending. .
President Jackson Sasser said the changes
result from an 11 percent cut in state funding,
including the additional 4 percent slash ap-
proved by Gov. Charlie Crist on June 12.
Starting in the fall, students will have to
pay an additional $4.20 per credit hour. Sasser
said raising tuition was necessary to balance
the budget cuts, though he thought substan-
tial cuts to higher education are something the

state should reconsider.
"It's a bit shortsighted to not invest in those
organizations that give them the greatest rev-
enue," he said.
Student Body President Cesar Fernandez
said because of the timing of legislative ses-
sions, students were not able to share their
opinions about the tuition increase with the
state.
"With the economic times right now, pretty
much no one wants an increase," Fernandez
said.
Fernandez said it was inevitable, however,
and he is working with Sasser to find ways to
help students cope with the extra cost.

Last month, SFCC Student Government
approved a scholarship campaign to make
all available options for financial aid known
to students.
Ferandez said he and other representa-
tives from Florida commu-
Sntnity colleges will address
Santa Fe the Legislature in February
Community with their stance on tuition.
COllege One of the options they may
support is a plan to base
tuition increases on inflation, which he said
would be more fair.
In terms of the spending cuts, Sasser said
they really came as no surprise, and faculty

and staff layoffs were avoided because the col-
lege has been planning for two years.
Though the faculty did not receive a sal-
ary increase, the budget plan did ensure that
100 percent of employee health care will be
covered and allotted a one-time $1,000 supple-
ment for full-time employees. The supplement
should help with fuel costs, Sasser said.
Tom Mason, co-chair of the Salary and
Benefits Committee of the Faculty Senate, said
the faculty was not surprised with the budget
plan because Sasser kept members informed
of his intentions. Mason said a recurring raise
would have been nice, but the supplement
will suffice in light of the economic situation.
"It's really one of those 'it's better than
nothing' situations," he said.

Fla. ecosystem, economy
I is nearly impossible to find a silver lining in $4-a-gallon
gasoline. But if one is to be found, it is in the fact that sky-
ocketing prices at the pump and the resulting anger and
discontent felt by Americans from sea to shining sea are
forcing our politicians to finally have a much needed debate
on what should be done to solve the nation's dependency on
foreign oil.
Regrettably, the contours of this debate have been shaped
by unabashed duplicity and a complete disregard for reality.
Instead of being honest with the American people about the
need to develop alternative energy and to curb consumption
of fossil fuels, the Bush administration, Sen. John McCain, Gov.
Charlie Crist and a legion of right-wing radio talkers have
propagated the myth made out of equal parts deception and
delusion that we can simply drill our way out of dependence
on foreign despots for our energy needs.
In recent weeks, both McCain and Crist have flip-flopped
on the issue of repealing Congress' moratorium on offshore
drilling, contending that advanced technology has made drill-
ing environmentally safe and that the exponentially increasing
price of energy has made it economically essential. In actuality,
however, the calls to expose Florida's coasts to the vagaries of
Big Oil, while perhaps politically expedient, are environmen-
tally and economically suicidal.
Floridians should roundly reject the hollow rationale for
drilling off the Sunshine State's coastline, if not for the prospect
of serious environmental harm, then for the tremendous threat
that such action poses to our tourist economy, which brings in
some $50 billion to our state annually. One needs to look no
further than historical precedent to determine how detrimental
and catastrophic an oil spill could be to Florida's tourism indus-
try: In 1979, an oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico caused tar balls to
wash up on Texas beaches. The result was a 60 percent decline
in the state's tourism.
Even a relatively minor spill could cause enormous and ir-
reparable damage to Florida's overall economic health.
But Florida need not face an environmental disaster on par
with the Exxon Valdez spill of 1989 to feel the deleterious ef-
fects of offshore drilling. Toxic chemicals such as mercury, lead,
benzene, barium, chromium and arsenic, just to name a few,
are routinely emitted from "technologically advanced" oil plat-
forms. And while large oil spills may be unlikely, smaller ones
are quite frequent and almost as damaging the U.S. Coast
Guard estimates that more than 200,000 small spills occurred in
the Gulf of Mexico from 1973 to 2001.
Even if new drilling rigs can drastically reduce the chance of
spillage and allay environmental concerns the evidence sug-
gests this is dubious the economic benefit of drilling would
not be felt for at least seven years, with some estimates placing
the economic impact of exploration around 2030. And what's
more, Big Oil has not drilled three-quarters of the territory that
Congress has made available for exploration. Why should we
endanger our beautiful, economically lucrative beaches if the oil
industry refuses to explore the areas already open for drilling?
Offshore drilling proponents claim that the price of oil has
nothing to do with price gouging, speculation or unrest in the
Middle East. It is simply a supply-and-demand problem that is
easily curable if we would just invest in domestic exploration.
Once again, those little things called the facts get in the way of.
a pro-drilling talking point. According to the House Natural
Resources Committee, domestic drilling permits have increased
361 percent since 1999, yet the price of gas continues to climb to
record-breaking plateaus.
Florida's beaches are a national treasure, and their preserva-
tion should be a top priority for all Floridians. Our elected state
and federal officials should fight to prevent unnecessary and
risky exploration in the name of political gamesmanship.

the independent florida

alligator

Devin Culclasure
EDITOR
Jessica Ponn
MANAGING EDITOR

Joshua Fredrickson
OPINIONS EDITOR

The Alligator encourages comments from readers. Letters to the editor should not exceed 150
words (about one letter-sized page). They must be typed, double-spaced and must include the
author's name, classification and phone number. Names will be withheld if the writer shows
just cause. We reserve the right to edit for -. -cr, ,:.ammar, style and libel. Send letters to
letters@alligator.org, bring them to 1105 W. ..1. Ave., or send them to PO. Box 14257,
Gainesville, FL 32604-2257. Columns of about 550 words about original topics and editorial
cartoons are also welcome. Questions? Call 376-4458.

Opinions

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Reader response
Today's question: Will the Tuesday, June 19 question: Do
presidential candidates' ages be you agree with last week's Supreme
significant factors when you vote? Court decision regarding Gitmo?
Vote or post a message at www.alligator.org

Dwight Johnson, a 51-year-old
Gainesville resident and UF alum-
nus, was diagnosed with amyo-
trophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also
known as Lou Gehrig's disease, in
February 2008.
He was told there was no cure,
and the disease would eventually
kill him.
Immediately, Johnson decided
he would not waste any time with
negative thinking.
"You have two options when
you find out about something like
this," Johnson said. "You can either
crawl up into a fetal position and
crawl in a hole and say, 'That's it.
My time on earth is over. Now I
get to go see Jesus.' Or you can
celebrate the rest of the time you
have."
With a lot of help from a friend
and hundreds of others, Johnson
created the Dwight's Fight
Foundation to raise money to fight
ALS and make life easier for people
afflicted with it.
The organization hosted the first
of many charity golf tournaments
on Monday at the Haile Plantation
Golf & Country Club and the UF
Golf Course.
ALS affects nerve cells in the
brain and spinal cord. The disease
causes a degeneration of motor
neurons, resulting in partial or total
paralysis and eventually death.
Shortly after receiving the diag-
nosis, Johnson and his wife, Debbie
Johnson, sent out an e-mail to their

friends asking for their prayers,
he said. The e-mail got Johnson's
business partner and friend, Mike
Lattuca, involved. -
"He found out about the diag-
nosis and went nuts, in the good
way," Johnson said.
Lattuca called around and man-
aged to get enough donations from
friends and business partners to
provide Johnson's family of six
with an all expense paid trip to
Hawaii, Debbie Johnson said.
"He spearheaded this, and
so we're just along for-the
ride."
Debbie Johnson
wife of Dwight Johnson

After the Hawaii trip, Lattuca
decided it was time to try to raise
money and awareness for the dis-
ease, she said.
"He spearheaded this, and so
we're just along for the ride," she
said.
After talking with Dwight
Johnson, Lattuca got the idea to
hold a golf tournament to raise
money and get the Dwight's Fight
Foundation off the ground.
Lattuca said he owns a golf tour-
nament company in Jacksonville, so
Monday's charity event was easy.
The event also included a
sponsors' dinner on Sunday night,
which featured a performance by
Sister Hazel, and a silent auction
Monday afternoon.
Lattuca hopes to eventually

have 35 golf tournaments each year
all over the country to raise money
for the foundation, he said.
"As long as I'm on God's good
earth, I'm doing this, and that's a
fact," Lattuca said.
Dwight Johnson has remained
positive throughout 'this whole
experience. He said his family's
strong faith in God has helped them
through this troubling time.
"I tell people it's really a blessing
because I get a chance to say good-
bye," he said.
Debbie Johnson also said de-
spite the hardship they are endur-
ing, a lot of good has come out of
his condition.
"Every turn where there is
something that we think could
be negative, something positive's
coming out of it," she said.
She said the hardest part is the
knowledge that nothing can be
done medically.
Because the disease is so rare,
even though it has existed for a
long time, not a lot of research has
been conducted, she said.
"If you filled up The Swamp,
how many will have it? One," she
said.
Lattuca said the foundation
hopes to raise -awareness for the
disease and eventually find a cure
for it.
"One of the biggest things is that
Dwight has handled this so coura-
geously," Lattuca said. "While he is
facing such a difficult time, he has
helped so many people, including
myself, which is a true testament to
who he is."

Dwight Johnson makes a putt at the Dwight's Fight ALS Golf Tourna-
ment at the Haile Plantation Golf & Country Club Monday morning.

Gainesville to implement annual fee for fire services

* UF WILL AVOID PAYING $2.9
MILLION IN FEES BECAUSE IT
RESTS ON STATE PROPERTY.

Gainesville has decided to
levy a special assessment, or an
annual fee, for properties benefit-
ing from city fire services.
The fee was created in re-
sponse to recent state budget re-

CASH

has been there,

done that.

RECYCLE

YOUR NEWSPAPER.

alligator

printed on recycled newsprint

ductions that cut about $4 million
from Gainesville's budget, said
city spokesman Bob Woods.
The fees would be determined
by a property's square footage
and whether the property's struc-
ture is commercial, residential,
institutional or industrial.
The funds collected from the
assessment can only be used by

Gainesville Fire Rescue, which
is facing a serious budget crisis,
said Deputy Fire Chief Gene
Prince.
Local While the city
News has expanded since
1975, the number
of fire rescue personnel has de-
creased from 165 to 155.
The assessment will apply to

all developed property except
for government property, vacant
lands and agricultural property,
said Assistant City Manager Paul
* Folkers.
Churches and nonprofit orga-
nizations will not be exempt.
The city also discussed the
possibility of UF paying $2.9 mil-
lion annually toward the assess-

ment, Woods said.
However, Folkers said the
city cannot make UF pay a fee
because the university is on state
property.
A meeting will take place at 6
p.m. Wednesday, July 16, at City
Hall to discuss the rates of the
assessment.
CHRISTOPHER MYERS

Are you a FRESHMAN?

Want to get INVOLVED?
Appl' to be on
FRESHMAN
LEADERSHIP COUNCIL!

The Fieshliiin Leadeiship Council is a diverse gioup -o highly
mioivated fresliniai who are interested in involveinenl and
leadership at the lUniversiy of Florida.

Applications are available on the 3rd floor of the
Reitz Union or simply go to www.sg.ufl.edu
They are due September 12th at 5PM in the SG
Office.

Healthy female participants for

MRI Brain Study needed!
If you are a healthy female (30 to 65 years old) we invite
you to participate in our functional Magnetic Resonance
Imaging study at the University of Florida. This study requires
up to 2 visits, each lasting 1.5 hours. Before and during brain
scanning we will apply mild to moderate heat stimuli to your
extremities to test your pain sensitivity. There will be monetary
compensation. Please call Susann for further information or to
schedule a visit.

cases using the mutual-aid agree-
ments, Cervone said.
Such agreements have been upheld
in lower courts in the past, Wagner
said.
However, because the State
Attorney's Office didn't document the
agreements in the lower courts, the
court could not consider them in its
ruling, said Tom Copeland, a local at-
torney who worked on the case.
Copeland said state statutes reserve
mutual-aid agreements for temporary
emergencies, such as natural disasters
or instances of civil disobedience, and
it is unlawful that UPD has expanded
its jurisdiction based on these agree-
ments.
Copeland said UPD's use of the

agreements could be likened to a hy-
pothetical contract between UPD and
the FBI in which UPD is given national
jurisdiction.
"It's ridiculous, but that's what
they're arguing."
Tom Copeland
local attorney

"It's ridiculous, but that's what
they're arguing," he said.
Copeland said he and other attor-
neys who worked on the case will file
a motion requesting reconsideration or
clarification by the court on the mu-
tual-aid agreements.
The two dissenting judges found
that because UF lacks "perfect bound-
aries" controlling property on both

sides of streets adjacent to the main
campus UPD should be allowed to
enforce traffic laws on bordering roads
that serve UF.
UPD can still make stops on off-
campus streets when a traffic violation
occurs within the borders of campus
and an officer is in "hot pursuit."
A drug arrest made by UPD on June
13 after a traffic stop on Southwest
Ninth Avenue near Sorority Row
would be the type of stop made invalid
by the circuit court's ruling.
Wagner said the fact that the lower
court's cases involved DUI but were
dismissed in the appeal is especially
troubling.
"So let me get this straight," he said.
"I have to be on this road (adjacent to
campus) to get to other (UF) property,
but I have to let them go so they can go
down the street and kill somebody?"

Frat president says he regrets hazing incidents

FRAT, from page 1

Brother," new members had to do wall sits, during which
they would squat in a sitting position with their backs leaning
against a wall and their arms out straight for 30 minutes. If a
new member's position faltered, an active brother would walk
across the new members' legs.
In an event called "Waterfalls," new members had to collec-
tively finish two handles of Jim Beam whiskey and a keg.
UF senior Lyle Long was president of the fraternity when
the incidents took place.
Long said though he was never present at any of the rituals,
he knew that they potentially could be happening. He said he
was working to change that, but some members resisted his

efforts.
Long said his biggest mistakes president was viewing the
university as an enemy rather than as a tool to stop hazing.
He said he plans to speak about his house's experience to
other fraternities in the fall.
"I'm thankful the university intervened. I'm
Gr, disappointed we've been kicked off, but this could
iLfe have been potentially worse," he said.
Jordan Whiddon, a member of the fall 2007
pledge class, said new members always had the op-
tion not to participate in the events taking place, but he agreed
that UF should have intervened.
"I think the times of having to prove yourself to other
people are over, and I'm glad the university is making sure no
one's getting hurt," Whiddon said.

fLUS

Self-checkout system

offers speed, privacy

LIBRARY, from page 1

Armaghani said.
Replacing the floors came with a $43,000
price tag, she said.
In addition, the circulation desk at Library
West received a facelift during last week's
closure.
The first of three new SelfCheck checkout
machines appeared at the circulation desk on
Monday as part of a pilot project.
The new system will allow people to check
out books and bound periodicals
Library for themselves simply by scanning
West their Gator 1 Cards.
Aside from providing students
with shorter lines at the circula-
tion desk, the SelfCheck machine will also
give them more privacy, "said Angela Mott,
academic support services coordinator at
Library West.
Eventually, Library West will house two
devices, and Marston Science Library will
have one.
Janie Fouke, who will leave her position as
provost today to work at UF's International
Center for a year, is funding the project as a
service to the university.
Plans to clean the escalators will be post-
poned until the next intersession after sum-
mer B.

$500 Bonus at Lexington!
Awesome Apartments & Great Parties
Sign a lease for a 3/3, get $400
Sign with a friend and get $500
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8-18-25-1

Apartments off SW 20th Ave. Close to
shopping, bus line and a few miles from UF.
Price range S435 to $550. Includes water,
sewer, garbage and pest control. Sorry no
pets allowed. Call 335-7066 Mon-Fri. 8-
18-08-25-2

When Will Your Ad Run?
Ads placed by 4 pm will appear two
publication days later. Ads may run for
any length of time and be cancelled at
any time. Sorry, but there can be no
refunds or credits for cancelled ads.

Corrections and Cancellations:
Cancellations: Call 373-FIND M-F. 8am 4pm. No refunds or cred-
its can be given.
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with any corrections before noon. THE ALLIGATOR IS ONLY RE-
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given after placing the ad. Changes called in after the first day will not
be further compensated.
Customer error or changes: Changes must be made BEFORE
NOON for the next day's paper. There will be a $2.00 charge for
minor changes.

$300 Bonus at Lexington!
Sign a lease for a 2/2 or 4/4 get $200
Get a friend to sign and get $100 more!
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Sell your house, condo, acreage, mobile
home and much more in the ALLIGATOR
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sible buyers! Mastercard and Visa accepted
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OUT PLACING YOUR AD ONLINE AT
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Need a spot to park that's close to UF? As
spaces become less available and more
expensive, for $50/mo you can have a
decaled spot on Alligator Alley, located at
1120 SW 1st Ave. These spots are rented
by the semester to accommodate students
and faculty alike. For more info, contact:
www.edbaurmanagment.com 1731 NW 6th
Street 375-7104 X110 8-18-25-10

***GatorMoto*** We will be moving to
our new state of the art facility the end of
July! We're currently having a HUGE moving
sale from our temporary location! New scoot-
ers starting at $999. No legit shop can beat
these prices! lyr Warranties included. 376-
6275 GatorMoto.com 8-18-08-25-11

SCOOTER SERVICE
New Scooters 4'Less has LOW service rates!
Will service any make/model. Close to UF!
Pick-ups avail $19 3': .,i .-I-, r, 336-1271
8-18-08-21-11
***www.BuyMyScooter.com***
Buy A New Scooter, Buy A Used Scooter
All on one site! Check the website or call
336-1271 'for more info! 8-18-08-21-11

GATORMOTO is Gainesville's number 1
service facility. We repair ALL brands of
scooters. Pickups available. Lowest labor
rates around. Quickest turnaround time. Run
by Gator Grads so we know how to treat our
customers! 376-6275 8-18-08-25-11

This newspaper assumes no responsibil-
ity for injury or loss arising from contacts
made through advertising. We suggest that.
any reader who responds to advertising use
caution and investigate the sincerity of the
advertiser before giving out personal infor-
mation or arranging iieT,- g: -.

Sthe indepedent florida

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Evening Newspaper Production

Applications are now being accepted for edi-
torial production at the Independent Florida
Alligator. Applicants should be available two
to three nights a week between 7:00 p.m.
and 1.00 a.m., Sunday through Thursday.
Production duties include layout and design.
Experience is preferred, but not required, A
one-year commitment is expected. Please
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All previous applicants are encouraged
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desk of the Alligator, 1105 W. University
Ave. between 9am and 4pm, M-F. Equal
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Sthe independent florida

alligator

PROMOTIONS INTERN

The Independent Florida Alligator is look-
ing for a student to join our Promotions
Department. Specific duties include, creat-
ing in-house newsletters and publications
for outside advertisers on a monthly basis.
handling employee paperwork and basic
administration duties, event planning for
staff and student-related events and assist in
planning and organizing the Alligator Atimni
Association. Candidates must be organized,
have a strong writing background and an abil-
ity to multi-task. The position is aimed toward
public relations majors, but other journalism
and communications majors, or those with a
strong writing background are encouraged to
apply. The position is part-time and paid after
one semester of training. Candidates must
e

make a commitment of at least one year. This
opportunity can be used for internship credit
and is great for experience and networking.
Those interested can email their resume and
one writing sample to Alex Liakos at
aliakos@alligator.org.EOE 7-8-3-14

.LIKE TO WORK WITH LUXURY CARS?
Bright? Enthusiastic? Like people? Must be
over 22, stable work history, clean driving
record, drug-free, personal references.
www.carrsmith.com for details. 8-18-25-14

GREAT BABYSITTER for sweet, intelligent
almost 4yr old. You must have great person-
ality and energy plus reliable transportation.
Bkgmd in early ed a plus. Starts at $8/hr with
bonuses. 352-213-2221 7-1-08-3-14

TV Production Company
looking for students who can surf the
web, shop, and talk on the phone. Email
brokensound@mac.com 7-8-5-14

Have a 3.6 GPA & want to earn some extra
cash? We are now hiring notetakers for
summer & fall. Go to www.HowlgotanA.com
7-3-5-14

Cord Blood Specialist-This individual will
be responsible for the tasks relating to cord
blood education and donation processing,
including routine interactions with collection
facilities staff and general public. Will be col-
lecting and processing cord blood, reviewing
required paperwork with cord blood donors,
entering new donors into database, main-
taining equipment and supplies, and training
others in cord blood collections. High school
diploma or GED required, Associate's degree
desired. Prefer someone with phlebotomy or
blood banking experience. Desired candi-
date must have excellent customer service
and organizational skills and be able to
manage time effectively. Email resumes to
kstanner@lifesouth.org. Background check
required. EOE/DFWP. 7-3-2-14

.* MOVING? ***0
You'll love our low rates! We are professional
movers, 15yrs+. Lic#1M707. We provide proof
of ins for every move. Local/longdistance
352-256-0999. Take $25 off your next move!
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* MARTIAL ARTS & COMBAT SPORTS *
Get in great shape this summer with either
*Martial Arts for Self-Defense*
*MMA Ultimate Fighting or a*
*Kickboxing Boot Camp.*
Fun and Exciting Programs for UF students
Since 1975. Call for information 331-3557.
7-15-13-15

*Family Chiropractic*
Since 1977. Two blocks from U.F.
373-7070
8-18-25-18

SAVE ON RAYBAN/SUNGLASSES

University Opticians
300 SW 4th Ave. 378-4480
8-18-08-25-18

Furry, feathery, scaly...no, not your
roommate...pets. Find or advertise your pets
or pet products here in the Pets section of
the Alligator.

.. Lost&Found '

DOG FOUND
Black male dog found in NE Gainesville.
Appears to be Corgi/Shepherd.
Call 817-821-3252 7-8-3-25

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Spo rts
TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2008

ALLIGATOR
www.alligatorSports.org

Former Gators reunite for charity basketball game

Andrew Stanflll / Alligator
Former UF basketball player Chris Richard signs autographs at a charity alumni game in Boca Raton on
Saturday. Richard and other NBA players will get to play in the game next year.

* NEXT YEAR'S EVENT WILL
HAVE THE CHAMPION '04s.

By KYLE MAISTRI
Alligator Writer
kmaistri@alligator.org

On Saturday, The Gator Nation
was in Boca Raton to watch a bas-
ketball game and give back to the
community.
The first annual Gator Greats
Alumni Charity Basketball Game
took place in the Florida Atlantic
gym with all proceeds going to
Youth Empowerment 4 A Better
Tomorrow, BRYAA and the Udonis
Haslem Children's Foundation.
Former UF forward Major Parker
came up with the idea to put togeth-
er the game and rallied his fellow
former Gators.
"It was Major," said Teddy
Dupay, who played from the Gators
from 1998-2001. "He was always the
ring leader of the bunch anyway. He
was pretty persistent."
The former Gators guard joined
Donnell Harvey, Patrick O'Connor,
Eddie Shannon, Kenyan Weaks,
Brent Wright and Parker on the

2000-01 team coached by current
Heat forward Udonis Haslem.
The 2006-07 squad
- coached by Joakim Noah
- included Adrian Moss, Anrony
Roberson, Orien Green, Seth
Haimovitch and Adriel Davis.
Taurean Green and Chris Richard
were also in attendance, but along
with Haslem and Noah, were un-
able to play because the event was
not sanctioned by the NBA. Noah
said the idea was to have the 2000
national runner-up team against
the 2006 national champion team,
but was glad to have all the guys
together.
Next year's event is already NBA
sanctioned, and Parker said to look
for Mike Miller, Matt Bonner, Corey
Brewer and Marreese Speights to
join the rosters next season when
current NBA players will be allowed
to lace them up.
"It's going to grow and grow and
get much better and better," Parker
said.
A few hundred fans decked out
in orange and blue showed up to

SEE ALUM, PAGE 19

UF MEN'S BASKETBALL

Calathes tries for Beijing

By KYLE MAISTRI
Alligator Writer
kmaistri@alligator.org

There has been no shortage of Gators
in the Olympics over the last 20 years.
Brad Wilkerson (baseball), Dara Torres
(swimming) and Abby Wambach (soccer)
have all brought home gold medals.
Though UF has produced Olympians
in a myriad of different sports, a Gator
basketball player has never competed on
the Olympic level.
On June 21, guard Nick Calathes took
the first step in becoming one when he
boarded a plane to Greece.
Calathes' great-grandparents immi-
grated to the United States from Greece,
and the Florida native will travel to
Athens with his grandfather,. John, in
mind.
"He meant a lot to me," Calathes said.
"He passed away last year, and I just want
to do it for him and his name."
The 6-foot 6-inch combo guard said
that team officials told him he has a good
chance to make the Olympic team, which

will compete in qualifying events next
month in Athens.
Greece already has a star point guard
in Theodoros Papaloukas, so if Calathes is
to make the team, it will likely be as the
backup.
If he is unable to make the team, he
plans on staying in Greece to compete
with the under-21 national team over the
summer.
"They didn't speak that much
English in France."
Nick Calathes
UF guard

Playing overseas is nothing new for
Calathes, who played in France, where
he faced a similar language barrier, last
summer.
"They didn't speak that much English
in France," he said.
"I hope they speak English there. I
don't speak the Greek language. I hope
somebody speaks English."
SEE CALATHES, PAGE 19

Fresno State serves lesson for UF.

Maybe -Matt den Dekker can ask his
new USA National teammate Tommy
Mendonca exactly how they did it.
In case you weren't watching,
Mendonca's Fresno State Bulldogs became
the 2008 College World Series champions
on Wednesday night.
I wouldn't blame you if you had trouble
(like some of my less CWS-savvy friends)
finding the Bulldogs on a map it's
California, for the record.
This is a pretty big deal. Some are call-
ing it the greatest Cinderella story in the
history of NCAA athletics maybe even
in any sport, ever. And it's something that
UF and den Dekker can learn from.
Fresno State was the lowest-seeded
team in any NCAA Tournament to ever
make it to the finals, let alone win it. They
were the fourth-seeded team in their
regional, ranked 89th in RPI before the
NCAA Tournament began. Mighty Florida
Gulf Coast was ranked higher than that.
In the words of Bulldogs closer Brandon
Burke, they were "the worst team to win

ever."
Yeah,
that's pretty
accurate.
l T They
stumbled
Shannon McCarthy out of the
Mac Attack gates at 9-15,
smccarthy@alligator.org had a spec-
tacularly or-
dinary sea-
son and had to win the WAC Tournament
just to make the field of 64.
Then all they did was beat college
baseball powerhouses Long Beach State,
Arizona State, UNC and Rice on the way
to the title. They faced elimination six times
and won every game.
Do you realize just how improbable this
was? It's akin to Bethune-Cookman emerg-
ing from the Miami Regional to win the
whole shebang. It just doesn't compute.
All the more impressive was the way
they won. Fresno State didn't have a
SEE MAC, PAGE 18

- .-, II *~~O a a

Today's question: Which former UF basketball
player is most likely to get to the NBA?

Thursday's question: Where will former UF
baseball star Matt LaPorta be in five years?
(See results to right)

STim Tebow, Emmanuel Moody and
Percy Harvin were named to the Maxwell
watch list. The award is given to the top
college football player in America. Tebow
won it last season.

* Former UF athletes Ryan Lochte, Kerron Clement
and Novlene Williams-Mills have all qualified for
the Olympics. Lochte, a swimmer, came in second
to Michael Phelps in the 400 Individual Medley.
Clement qualified in the 400-meter hurdles.

Seven years ago, when Nick
Alajajian's father told Naples
High offensive line coach Paul
Home that his youngest son had
what it took to play college foot-
ball, he was a little skeptical.
"Nick's older brother was on
the team, and he used to hang
around all the time come to all
the games," Home said. "His dad
use to tell us all the time how good
his little brother was. I thought he
was nuts."
But after capturing the Class
3A State Championship last sea-
son and offers from some of the
nation's biggest college football

programs, Alajajian has proven
his father right.
Alajajian, the No. 1 ranked
offensive guard prospect accord-
ing to Scout.com, pledged his
commitment to the Gators during
his official visit to Gainesville last
week.
The 6-4, 280-pound lineman
was accompanied by his parents
on the visit.
"Florida was the best fit for
Nick," Home said. "It's a place
where Nick will be able to grow as
a football player and as a man."
The youngest of three sons,
Alajajian had visited Florida State
and Miami earlier this year but
settled on staying closer to home
and playing in Gainesville.
His brother Joe is a junior
offensive lineman at Florida
International. Home said that it
was Alajajian's relationship with
Urban Meyer and offensive line

coach Steve Addazio that set UF
apart from the other schools he
was interested in. He also pointed
to UF's recent national champion-
ship. and the chance to play in the
Southeastern
Conference as
factors in the
decision.
Home said
that he expects
Alajajian to
have a chance
Alajajian to contribute
early once he
arrives in Gainesville.
"Nick is as good at run block-
ing as he is at pass blocking,"
Home said. "The way that they
run their offense really fits his
style of play. He's relentless when
it comes to his blocking."
Home is confidant that
Alajajian will be ready to com-
pete when he finally steps foot on

campus.
"Nick will work his tail off to
make sure that he is ready when
his time comes," Home said.
"That's just the type of kid that he
is. His work ethic is incredible."
As a junior, Alajajian became
the leader of a Naples team that
boasted 31 seniors. He led the
Golden Eagles to a 17-10 state title
win over St. Augustine last year,
a game in which it was later dis-
covered he played with a broken
ankle.
"He's as tough as they come,"
Home said. "The other guys look
up to him."
RECRUITING UPDATE: The Gators
received a commitment Monday
from South Lake Offensive
Lineman Jonotthan Harrison,
according to multiple media
sources. Harrison is rated as the
No. 5 offensive guard prospect in
the nation by Scout.com.

UF alum McGinnis has Olympic aspirations

She's gone from China to Mexico

By BRIAN STEELE
Alligator Staff Writer
bsteele@alligator.org

Marreese Speights trekked from Oakland
to Orlando in prep for the NBA Draft and
all in a matter of a couple weeks.
At least he's not Angie McGinnis. The for-
mer UF volleyball star has been from China to
Mexico to Colorado Springs and then back to
the East side in Japan and is now in Poland
training with the USA Volleyball team. Those
road trips to Arkansas and Mississippi don't
look so bad anymore.
McGinnis has been named to the pre-
liminary roster of 19 women, and the final
roster will be trimmed to 12 before the Beijing
Olympics.
"We go from time zone to time zone and are

expected to adjust and practice like normal,"
McGinnis said in an e-mail interview. "My
body doesn't like it very much, that's about
all I can say."
She was only able to answer questions
through e-mail due to her travel schedule.
The final roster will be announced mid-
July, and if she makes the
cut, McGinnis will be the
first ever Gator to make the
USA Volleyball Olympic
Volleyball team.
"I never imagined what
it would feel like getting
this dose," she said. "I've always dreamed of
walking into the opening ceremonies, but I'm
going to save thinking about that until I make
the team because then it will be all that more
special."

With the way she played at UF, it's no sur-
prise that McGinnis is where she is. She holds
the school record for assists with 5,784, is the
only Gator with 1,000 digs and 300 blocks in
her career and won Southeastern Conference
Player of the Year twice.
Now, more teams than just those tucked in
the Southeast comer of the United States have
to watch out for her play-making ability.
"I've always dreamed of getting a chance
to play with these amazing athletes in the
Olympics," she said. "I know that everyone
expects all of us young ones on the 19-man
roster."
If she doesn't make it, McGinnis said she
would still consider trying out for the 2012
Olympic team. She's content on making the
cut so far, though.
"It's a honor to be named to the 19-man ros-
ters," she said. "It finally shows me that I can
accomplish my goals if I give it all I got."

Buster Posey or a Joshua Fields.
Their ace Tanner Scheppers
had been sidelined since May
with a shoulder injury, and the
pitching staff was throwing on
fumes and held together by
duct tape. Everyday players
like Mendonca were playing
through injuries.
Fresno State showed that
winning doesn't center on star
power. You don't need the shiny
national ranking or a slew of top
draft picks and stars to reach col-
lege baseball's Promised Land.
Heck, you don't even need to be
fully healthy.
If den Dekker asked what
the keys to success were,
Mendonca's response might
be something like this: a little
bit of luck, and a whole lot of
guts, grit, desire and faith in
each other.
Sure, that's all pretty trite and
cliche, but anyone who watched
this Fresno State team saw the
textbook display of what a team
is supposed to be.
When it came down to the
wire, when it was win or go
home, the Bulldogs turned it up
a notch and won against teams
they had no business beating.
That is something that has
been missing in UF's play since
2005. The Gators have had the
talent, but the moxie has been
lacking the past few years.
They just need to borrow
some of the quiet confidence
Fresno State exuded in the
CWS.
So maybe den Dekker and
Mendonca can have a little chat.
And maybe he can take that
with him back to Gainesville.

watch the game and take part in
other activities.
The players held an autograph
and picture session that went for
more than two hours. Haslem,
Noah, Richard and Green drew
lines of Gator fans that waited to
have them sign items from basket-
balls to posters.
During the game, the staff raf-
fled off autographed pictures of the
former Gainesville standouts.
On the court, soft defense and
fast-breakheavy offense dominated
the 35 minutes of action. Roberson
led all scorers with 46 unofficial
points while Shannon dumped in
34 for the old school team.
Dupay, who said he hadn't exer-
cised in a year, showed he still has
the shooting stroke that landed him
the 1997-98 Florida Mr. Basketball

award, dumping in eight three
pointers.
A few Harvey windmill dunk
attempts later, the old school team
came away with a 125-114 win.

"It's no secret I made a
mistake."
Major Parker
Former UF forward

After the game, Parker present-
ed each of the participants with a
small plaque for their efforts as the
crowd stood and applauded from
the bleachers.
Many remember Parker for his
most recent stint in Gainesville
as an assistant coach under Billy
Donovan from 2003-05.
The captain of the 2000 Final
Four team was fired from his job
after being arrested for selling co-
caine to an undercover Gainesville

Police Department officer. Parker
would eventually plead guilty to
charges of conspiracy to distrib-
ute and possession with intent to
distribute more than 500 grams
of cocaine. He was given only six
months of house arrest and two
and a half years of probation after
he helped convict his supplier.
"It's no secret I made a mis-
take," Parker said. "One of the
roles I try to play for these guys is
to let them know what not to do off
the court."
Parker says he remains close
with Donovan and the program
and has been working with the
South Florida division of i9 Sports,
a youth sports foundation, in giv-
ing back to the community.
"It's for the right cause," Noah
said.
"Major is like a big brother to all
of us, somebody that the younger
guys look up to."

Rising soph. hopes to get stronger in Greece

CALATH ES, from page 17

Calathes is able to compete for Greece based on his
family lineage. Kosta Koufos, who played for Ohio
State last year and was drafted by the Utah Jazz, is an
Ohio native who will also be trying out for the team
as a result of heritage.
Americans playing for other countries has become
a hotly debated issue lately, especially after Becky
Hammon announced she would join the Russian
women's basketball team for the upcoming games.
USA coach Anne Donovan called Hammon unpa-

triotic for her decision.
Calathes says he, along with UF coach Billy
Donovan, sees the Olympics as an opportunity to
represent his family and develop his game. While
he's known for his play-making ability, he hopes to
improve his strength, defense and mid-range while
overseas.
As for the Greek lifestyle, he went to a familiar face
for what to expect.
"(Lee Humphrey) said he loved it," Calathes said.
"I asked him how the food is going to be, and you
know Hump. Hump loves food, and he said it's great
food."

Gators Talk
Former UF basketball players Al Hortord and
Taurean Green were back In Gainesville and
taking classes aunng Summer A. When we r
sat down and talked witn them, here s what
they had to say on the ins arid outs of the ,,
NBA A a

Horford On his toughest matchup: "Yao Ming. He's too talf
He's very skilled for his height and the things that he
can do for being so tall it's amazing."

On playing against former frountcourt mate Joakim
Noah, now with the Chicago Bulls: "It was different
because I'm using to having him on my side. He's
an intense player. I'm an intense player. There were
some great battles. He tried to trash talk a little bl.l
was at the free-throw line and he's out there yelling
at me."
On playing against Kevin Garnett in the playoffs: "It's tough. He's an
all-star player. But you want to play against the best. It's exciting to
go against him."

On life on the road: "You travel a lot more, but the team really takes
care of you."

On the most memorable game: "Probably Game Three in Atlanta in
the playoffs versus Boston. We felt like we had something to prove
and we went out there and tried to do our thing. We kind of silenced
people.' (The Hawks won 102-93)

I argan

On going against AII-Star guard Allen Iverson In
practice: "He's a beast, man. Just the stuff that he
does with the ball. Going against him every day
made me a better player."

Most memorable game: "Probably the Seattle
game where we scored 168 points. It was crazy.
We put up a lot of points. I had never seen a team
put up that many." (The Nuggets won 168-116)

On watching Corey Brewer with the Minnesota Timberwolves: "It was
weird, but at the same time we had fun with it. We talked trash to
each other." .
Mikala Kuchera / Alligator Staff